This is from Physio/CrossFit Box Owner/Coach/Lifter  – April King

“Should you wear lifting belts? Wrist wraps? Hand guards? Knee sleeves?
These are questions I am regularly asked by my CrossFit clients so I thought I would write a quick blurb about the first one (the weightlifting belt).

The short answer (in my opinion) is definitely yes but I’m sure you’ll find others who don’t agree. Nonetheless, here is what I think and why.

If you are squatting, pressing or deadlifting >80 to 85% of your 1RM you should consider putting on your belt because it will help to:
a) increase intra-abdominal pressure
b) support the lumbar spine in a compressive way
c) give feedback regarding your spinal posture during the lift.

The way I see it, at heavy weights, it makes sense to support your body in every way you can to minimise or reduce the risk of injury. But please note, wearing a weightlifting belt will not:
a) take over the job of your “core musculature”, i.e. your deep spinal or deep abdominal muscles or
b) make you stronger

So putting on a belt does not mean that you can suddenly increase your weights and lift heavier. You actually have to get stronger to do that, because despite the advantages it might give you, it is not a guarantee against hurting yourself. “

 

 

Creatine
Some people are buying Creatine Hydrochloride, its a waste of money according to Dr Greg Haff, creatine monohydrate is a better product – you can calculate dosage on this page – http://www.qwa.org/Resources/Calculators.aspx

 

 

Harry – Commonwealth Youth Games

Congratulations to Harry on making the Australian Team for the Commonwealth Youth Games

 

Tia Crossfit Games 

Great interview with Tia-Clair Toomey in WodLife
http://blog.thewodlife.com.au/crossfit-games-athlete-interview-tia-clair-toomey/

Tia-Clair Toomey will be competing at the Crossfit Games
The CrossFit Games will start at Hermosa Beach California on Wednesday, July 22 – You can watch on ESPN via Foxtel or the Crossfit Website
All the best to Tia and her Crossfit Coach CoachRx

Thanks Brisbane Barbell for the photo!